The agreement on changes to the beef sector hammered out over the weekend “warrants being given a chance”, according to the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA).

Colm O’Donnell, the association’s president, said that the deal “has the potential to deliver significant structural change that ensures a better deal for farmers”.

“While some farmers may believe the deal has not delivered enough, there are important elements especially around the implementation of the deal, and proposals around independent reviews that warrants it be given a chance,” said O’Donnell.

As well as these developments, a ‘Beef Market Taskforce’ is set to be established, which O’Donnell said would be “tasked with ensuring robust implementation of the commitments entered into in this agreement”.

The INHFA president also pointed to other significant elements of the agreement – a review and examination of the price composition of animal values.

“Through these reviews there is the potential to deliver on concerns farmers have around the area of transparency,” said O’Donnell.

He went on to stress the “legitimate grievances” of farmers, and called for pickets to be lifted so the deal can be “given a chance”.